December 13, 2013 The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch Page 19 Traffic Stop Leads Police To $32K In Illegal Smokes By SHAWN J. SOPER NEWS EDITOR BERLIN – Berlin Police made a significant illegal cigarette bust on Tuesday after a routine traffic stop on Route 113. Around 9:30 p.m. on Monday, a Berlin Police officer stopped a vehicle for speeding on Route 113 near its intersection with Burley Street. The preliminary investigation revealed the driver, identified as Nasser Othman, 30, of Clifton, N.J., was driving a rental vehicle without authorization. During the initial contact with police, Othman allegedly gave conflicting stories of his departure and destination. During the interview, the officer saw in plain view four cases of cigarettes on the rear seat. Further investigation revealed Othman was transporting 502 cases, or 5,020 packs, of various brands of cigarettes. The comptroller of Maryland was advised, responded and seized the cigarettes and the vehicle. The retail value of the cigarettes is estimated at $32,279 and the potential Maryland tax loss is estimated at $1,040. Othman was arrested and charged with importing and possessing unstamped cigarettes. He was later released on his own recognizance. Evidence seized during Tuesday’s traffic stop is pictured at Berlin Police headquarters. Submitted Photo Southwest Bar & Grill • 410-208-1383 11033 Nicholas Lane, Ocean Pines • Ocean Pines South Gate Entrance Dinner Specials ly La Ha Ugweater sS Christmaarty P . 18 EC SDAY, D WEDNE m.-9 p.m. 5 p. -7 HOUR 4 HAPPY ertainment Live Ent ood And Great F cials e Drink Sp Thursday: $12.99 Lobster & 1/2 Price Wine HAPPY HOUR ALL NIGHT Friday: Monday: $1.25 Taco Night Tuesday: $11.95 Steak Or Chicken Fajitas Wednesday: $5 Burgers And Burritos Thursday: $1.25 Taco Night Friday: Seafood Night Fish Tacos $2 Neptune Burrito $16.95 Saturday: Prime Rib Dinner $13.95 Sunday: $11.95 Steak Or Chicken Fajitas HAPPY HOUR EVERY DAY 4 P.M.-7 P.M. • $1.25 TACOS $5 Crushes & $12.75 Crabcake Entree All Day 1/2 Price Craft Beers 9-Close Saturday: LA HA RITAS $5 • RAIL MARGARITA $3 • RAIL DRINKS $3 • DOMESTIC BEER $1.50 IMPORT BEER $2.50 • HOUSE WINE $3 • PREMIUM WINE $4.25 1/2 Price Drafts 9-Close Saturday: LIVE ENTERTAINMENT 6 P.M.-10 P.M. EVERY THURSDAY: KALEB BROWN OPEN EVERY DAY AT 4 P.M. Reservations For Groups Of 8 Or More • Smoke-Free Awarded Hall Of Honor By The Restaurant Association Of Maryland Directons: Off Rte. 90, Take Casino Exit South And Left At 3rd Light Immediately On Your Right 25% OFF All Entees NFL & Capitals Specials OPEN NEW YEARS EVE FREE Champagne Toast & $3 Everything Behind Bar 10 p.m.-Close 700 Coastal Hwy. Fenwick Island 302-581-0153 ropewalktavern.com WWWOCLAHACIENDA.COM